Definition
严禁 (yán jìn) is a formal, written verb meaning 'to strictly prohibit' — it is stronger than 禁止 (jìn zhǐ) and carries a sense of absolute, no-exceptions ban, often used in rules and signs. 不许 (bù xǔ) and 不准 (bù zhǔn) are more colloquial and less forceful, while 严格 (yán gé) is an adjective meaning 'strict', not a prohibition verb.
verb
to strictly prohibitto forbid
Easily confused
- 严谨yán jǐnsound-alikerigorous, meticulous, careful, strict
Examples
- 严禁。Gōngsī yán jìn yuángōng chídào.The company strictly prohibits employees from being late.
- 严禁。Túshūguǎn yán jìn dàshēng shuōhuà.The library strictly prohibits speaking loudly.
- 严禁。Kǎochǎng yán jìn shǐyòng shǒujī.The exam room strictly prohibits using mobile phones.
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